A recent news piece in the Bangkok Post caught my eye, which cited government data in Taiwan that 17% of locals bought property overseas.
Two key markets mentioned were Tokyo followed by Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur. The demographics of young professionals in their 30's who worked in hi-tech or the financial services sector were mentioned.
Demand came from those looking at rental yields and unit sizing of 2 bedrooms and more.
Viewing the nearby KL market the one thing that strikes a challenging note to developers is that bank financing is readily available, while this remains an obstacle in Thailand.
For venturesome property entrepreneurs though, Taiwan might be worth having a look at.
Thailand's Cabinet has deferred a VAT (value- added-tax) increase from the present 7% for two more years.
The move, which will see the rate move to 10% in October 2014, is intended to address concerns over a volatile economic outlook.
Critics of the move point out that VAT remains the single largest element of revenue for the tax department, and that funds are needed to improve the country's ailing infrastructure.
In comparison to most Asian countries with a regional average of just over10%, Thailand remains significantly under its competing economies.
Last week's media frenzy of the raid by the government of a building site on Rang Noi Island off of Phuket's East Coast looks to be a story in the making.
There remains much conjecture whether the construction is for a private ultra villa or an alleged illegal casino.
At the forefront of the American John Baldwin and his Bridge Capital investment firm. Baldwin is well known for purportedly acquiring ownership interests in significant beachfront property in both Phuket and Phang Nga over a long period of time.
At the same time Bridge is an investor in a casino project in nearby Laos. This has led to the assumption that the firm or individuals could be involved in what has been tagged as a possible casino operation off the coast of the island.
Investigating the project is the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division of the Thai government.
This story looks to drag out but given other recent public disputes at Freedom Beach, Barama Bay (Jumeirah Private Island) and Istana, luxury real estate land sites are increasingly coming under the scrutiny of both the private and public sector.
For foreign investors, land ownership remains a gray area and the current government of Yingluck Shinawatra has done little to reform either longer term leases or offer any type of mechanism to counter the volatile nominee system in place.
Perhaps it can best be summed up at the moment as "damned if you do, damned if you don't."
Phuket based property agency Siam Real Estate has completed a makeover of this digital online site.
New features include Google's Street View, search located by landmarks and a special priority members priority notification program.
Many of the improvements are to assist both buyers and prospective renters in sourcing properties near to key demand generators such as schools, beaches, and shopping areas.
Jones Lang LaSalle (Thailand) and Absolute World are partnering on the newly released Phase II and III at Absolute Twin Sands on the Patong headland.
Located on Tri Trang beach, the development will see JLL provide both management and sales.
Absolute is offering a guaranteed return of 6% for the first three years of operation.
The first phase of the project has been sold out and units will be handed over this year.
Leading online real estate portal PropertyGuru taken a strategic investment from an affiliate of Deutsche Telecom in order to expand opportunities in South East Asia.
The multi-million dollar injection from ImmobilienScout24, which is a top European portal looks to tap into the fastest growing economic region on the world.
PropertyGuru which was formed in 2006 presently has over 65 million monthly views of its property pages in Asia/Pacific with 8.2 million buyers.
In Thailand PG operate the website www.ddproperty.com
Former Managing Director of Laguna Phuket Michael Ayling has formed a new property advisory firm NuoBello.
With offices in Phuket the start up is providing turn-key development and marketing services in the real estate sector.
Joining Ayling is Dan Simmons who previously headed up residential sale and marketing at Laguna.
The group's initial foray is a project in Papua New Guinea.
For more on NuoBello <link>http://www.nuobello.com*CLICK</link>
China property developers simply love recreating global landmarks in scaled down versions on the mainland. A recent case had a full size replica of a town in Hallstatt Austria recreated in Huizhou China.
While the former is a UNESCO landmark, the rifts between what are now accidental sister cities has the Austrians up in arms. It seems owners of many of the buildings on show did not consent or were even asked for permission.
Be it a case of Stepford Wives, the entire idea seems to have taken root with the Chinese developers were allegedly on the prowl in Austria taking photos and sizing things up.
It all sounds like a great set for a reality show and perhaps taking a step up on The Truman Show.
One of the key economic indicators to Philippine GDP remains cash inflows from overseas workers.
Not only is this key to the general economy, but also is a driver in the rising property market.
Listed property firms remain keen on bringing properties to market, especially in the condominium sector.
A recent article on the Bloomberg financial network pointed out that leading firm Ayala was holding property exhibitions in the US on both the west and east coast to tap into buyers.
Buyer motivation continues to be a mixed bag ranging from investment, to use by extended family to those who eventually want to return to the country.
